Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Erupts Fiercely Prompting Highest Level Aviation Alert And Community Warnings: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on May 19, 2025

Mount Lewotobi’s recent vigorous eruptions have significantly impacted Indonesia travel by releasing towering ash clouds that reached up to six thousand meters, forcing aviation authorities to issue the highest-level red alert for aircraft safety. The thick ash plumes threaten flight operations by damaging engines and disrupting flight paths, prompting airlines to reroute or cancel flights around East Nusa Tenggara. Additionally, authorities imposed a six-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano to protect local communities from ash fall and potential lahars, further complicating travel plans and safety in the region.

Mount Lewotobi Erupts Vigorously in Indonesia Triggering Maximum Aviation Warning

Mount Lewotobi, located in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, experienced multiple vigorous eruptions today, spewing massive plumes of volcanic ash high into the atmosphere and prompting aviation authorities to issue their highest-level alert. The intense volcanic activity has raised significant concerns for air traffic safety and local communities in the vicinity of the volcano.

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) recorded the most powerful eruption at approximately 2:05 p.m. local time. During this event, ash columns soared as high as six thousand meters (around twenty thousand feet) above the summit, casting a dense, gray veil across the surrounding skies. These towering ash clouds extended in multiple directions—north, northeast, west, and northwest—posing substantial hazards for aircraft operating in the region.

In response to this escalation, the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) promptly elevated the aviation warning to red, the most severe alert category. This warning specifically cautions pilots and airlines to avoid flying below the six-thousand-meter altitude near Mount Lewotobi to prevent encounters with volcanic ash, which can severely damage airplane engines and instruments. Such airborne ash clouds have historically caused engine failures, compromised visibility, and disrupted flight schedules worldwide, making this a critical safety concern.

The eruption’s fallout extends beyond aviation risks. Indonesian authorities swiftly enacted a six-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano’s crater to safeguard local residents and tourists. This restricted zone prevents access to the area most vulnerable to volcanic hazards, including falling ash, pyroclastic flows, and potential ground instability. Residents living near the exclusion boundary have been urged to heed evacuation instructions and stay clear of hazardous zones until conditions stabilize.

Another pressing danger highlighted by officials is the possibility of lahars—fast-moving volcanic mudflows—that can develop when heavy rainfall mixes with loose ash and volcanic debris on the mountain’s slopes. These destructive flows can surge down river valleys, threatening villages and infrastructure located downstream. With the region entering its rainy season, the risk of such mudflows increases significantly, necessitating heightened vigilance from disaster response teams.

Local disaster management agencies remain on high alert, closely monitoring seismic activity and gas emissions around Mount Lewotobi. Sensors and observation posts have been deployed to detect any changes in volcanic behavior, enabling timely alerts for potential new eruptions or secondary hazards. Coordination between geological experts, emergency services, and government officials is ongoing to ensure public safety and provide rapid responses if the situation worsens.

Mount Lewotobi is part of Indonesia’s vast volcanic landscape situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. Indonesia is home to over one hundred active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active countries globally. This geological volatility requires constant monitoring and preparedness to mitigate the impacts on communities, infrastructure, and air travel.

The current eruption adds to the ongoing challenges faced by East Nusa Tenggara province, a region that frequently contends with natural disasters including earthquakes and volcanic events. Residents have adapted to these risks, but each eruption carries renewed threats that can disrupt livelihoods, damage crops, and strain emergency resources.

As volcanic ash continues to drift over the region, authorities advise residents to use masks and protective eyewear to minimize respiratory and eye irritation. Ash fall can contaminate water supplies, damage machinery, and reduce visibility on roads, compounding hazards in affected areas. Public advisories emphasize staying indoors during heavy ash fall and securing clean water sources for daily use.

The aviation industry is closely tracking developments at Mount Lewotobi, adjusting flight routes and schedules as necessary to ensure passenger safety. Airlines serving Indonesian airspace and international flights passing nearby are urged to stay informed through official volcanic activity bulletins and coordinate with air traffic control centers.

Mount Lewotobi’s powerful eruption has triggered the highest aviation alert in Indonesia, disrupting travel due to dangerous ash clouds that threaten flight safety and local communities. The volcanic activity forces flight restrictions and exclusion zones, significantly affecting Indonesia travel in East Nusa Tenggara.

The multiple eruptions of Mount Lewotobi today underscore Indonesia’s ongoing vulnerability to volcanic hazards. With ash plumes reaching unprecedented heights and a maximum aviation alert in place, both local communities and the global aviation sector face heightened risks. Continued monitoring, community preparedness, and swift emergency response remain essential as this dynamic volcanic episode unfolds.